Apple iPhone 16 vs Apple iPhone Air 2
The Apple iPhone 16 (2024) runs on the Apple A18, while the Apple iPhone Air 2 (2027) runs on the Apple A20 Pro. By overall MobileRank rating, the Apple iPhone Air 2 leads — 81/100 vs 68/100 (a 13-point difference). Key differences: the Apple iPhone Air 2 is faster in AnTuTu (3,434,654 vs 1,972,476); the Apple iPhone Air 2 is thinner (5.2mm vs 7.8mm).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Apple iPhone 16
Apple iPhone Air 2
What makes Apple iPhone 16 better?
- Faster charging: 27W vs 20W
- Better camera (78/100 vs 51/100)
What makes Apple iPhone Air 2 better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 3434654 vs 1972476
- Better Geekbench Single: 4733 vs 3100
- Better Geekbench Multi: 12836 vs 7700
- Higher refresh rate: 120Hz vs 60Hz
- Higher performance (97/100 vs 84/100)
- Better display (85/100 vs 61/100)
- Better portability (100/100 vs 79/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Apple iPhone 16 vs the Apple iPhone Air 2, the Apple iPhone Air 2 scores 13 points higher (81/100 vs 68/100). In the "performance" category, the Apple iPhone Air 2 leads (97/100 vs 84/100). In the "camera" category, the Apple iPhone 16 leads (78/100 vs 51/100). In the "performance" category, the Apple iPhone Air 2 is a bit better (97/100 vs 84/100). In the "display" category, the Apple iPhone Air 2 notably outperforms the Apple iPhone 16 (85/100 vs 61/100). In the "camera" category, the Apple iPhone 16 notably outperforms the Apple iPhone Air 2 (78/100 vs 51/100). In the "portability" category, the Apple iPhone Air 2 notably outperforms the Apple iPhone 16 (100/100 vs 79/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Apple iPhone 16 | Apple iPhone Air 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple A18 | Apple A20 Pro | |
| AnTuTu | 1972476 | 3434654 | |
| Geekbench Single | 3100 | 4733 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 7700 | 12836 | |
| Display | 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED | 6.5" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | |
| Resolution | 2556x1179 | 1260x2736 | |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 3561 mAh | — | |
| Charging | 27W | 20W | |
| Wireless charging | 25W | — | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 147 | — | |
| Main camera | 48 MP | 48 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 48 MP | |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 18 MP | |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | iOS 18 | iOS 27.x | |
| Brightness (peak) | 2000 nits | 3000 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 147.6×71.6×7.8 mm | 156.2×74.7×5.2 mm | |
| Weight | 170 g | — | |
| Launch price | $799 | — |
Camera comparison
Apple iPhone 16
- Main: 48MP f/1.6
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Front: 12MP
Apple iPhone Air 2
- Main: 48MP f/1.6
- Ultrawide: 48MP
- Front: 18MP
Display comparison
Apple iPhone 16
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED
- Resolution: 2556x1179
- Refresh rate: 60 Hz
Apple iPhone Air 2
- 6.5" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED
- Resolution: 1260x2736
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Apple iPhone 16
- 3561 mAh
- Wired: 27W
- Wireless: 25W
Apple iPhone Air 2
- —
- Wired: 20W
- Wireless: supported, wattage unknown
Overall performance score
We compared Apple iPhone 16 and Apple iPhone Air 2, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Apple iPhone Air 2 leads Apple iPhone 16 by 42.6% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Apple iPhone Air 2
Price unknownDetailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Apple iPhone Air 2 is a bit better (97/100 vs 84/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Apple iPhone Air 2 notably outperforms the Apple iPhone 16 (85/100 vs 61/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Apple iPhone 16 notably outperforms the Apple iPhone Air 2 (78/100 vs 51/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Apple iPhone Air 2 notably outperforms the Apple iPhone 16 (100/100 vs 79/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Apple iPhone 16 or the Apple iPhone Air 2?
The Apple iPhone Air 2 is noticeably better than the Apple iPhone 16 — the overall rating gap is 13 points.
What is the rating of the Apple iPhone 16 and the Apple iPhone Air 2?
The Apple iPhone 16 has a MobileRank rating of 68/100, the Apple iPhone Air 2 — 81/100.
Which has the better camera: the Apple iPhone 16 or the Apple iPhone Air 2?
The Apple iPhone 16 leads on camera score (78/100 vs 51/100).
Which is more powerful: the Apple iPhone 16 or the Apple iPhone Air 2?
The Apple iPhone Air 2 leads on performance (97/100 vs 84/100).
Should you choose the Apple iPhone 16 over the Apple iPhone Air 2?
The Apple iPhone 16 is a better fit for gamers and power users. The Apple iPhone Air 2 is a better fit for gamers and power users.